Matchbox: MB8 – Volvo V60 Polestar (2016)

As a rule now, I no longer collect Matchbox. If you look at the line ups for this year, it is loaded – mostly – full of generic tut.

Compare this with 2008 line up with a richness of proper cars.

Of course, there is a lot of noise claiming that Matchbox is back. I think you know who the main cheerleader is. And to a degree they are correct. There are some models that have been released that are just magical – harking back to what Matchbox was in its heyday.

One example is MB8, Volvo V60 Polestar from 2016. The real car is fitting Q-Car, which I think gives homage to the likes of the 850R, a true beast that changed the perception of Volvo’s being a bit boring.

In 2013[11] Volvo unveiled a special, limited version of the V60 called V60 Polestar. It is a reworked V60 that was developed by Polestar and went on sale in 2014 in limited markets only.[12][13] Apart from a retuned engine delivering 350PS[14] the car received a wide range of suspension upgrades which included special dampers made by Öhlins,[14] 6-piston brakes by Brembo[14] and new swaybars. Cosmetic changes include custom 20″ alloy wheels, a different front and rear splitter[15] and contrasting coloured interior stitching. When first introduced the only available paint colours were black metallic or “Rebel Blue”, later white and silver metallic colours were added.

The Matchbox version is a little bit of class. And it shows me what they can do when they want to.

OK, the detailing is not TLV standard, but fair play for £1, I think it is a bloody good effort. The rear of the model is exceptional in terms of detail. I would have liked to seen the base made of metal, but I will take what I can get.

I give Mattel a very hard time 95% of the time – but there are times that I want to give them the necessary praise and this is one of those times. It is one of the great Mattel MB castings under their troublesome tenure. They are still going for daft prices on ebay, but thankfully, I got this in Poundland for yes, £1. And I bought the other one as well to keep MOC.